"Ho...Ho..Ho?"

NO! NO! NO!

Today was Cristian’s big day – a day when he finally got to sit on Santa’s merry lap and share his Christmas cheer. My little guy was all decked out looking more adorable than ever, eager to have his picture with the big man!


We arrived at the mall around noon. It’s safe to say it was chaos. Luckily, the line to see Santa wasn’t nearly as long as I thought it would be. After 20 minutes of waiting, our turn finally came up. I eagerly carried him up into Santa’s ‘makeshift’ home. Vince by my side, we were anxious to see how Cristian would react. Well, one LOOK at Santa...and our questions were answered. He calmly turned his head the other way and began reciting …."No! No! No! Out! Out! Out!"

After a few failed attempts, Santa finally insisted I sit on his lap and hold Cristian in my arms. I was hoping Vince would join the picture...much to my dismay, he declined the offer.

Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! And a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

P.S. Notice his finger (right hand) is pointing towards the exit door!

City of The Children

Their flight may begin as far south as Acapulco. As they group themselves with other maltreated and abandoned children, they begin their journey north to find a better life elsewhere.

Many orphans in Mexico have been found by the police living abandoned to fend for themselves. Still others make their way from families who can no longer care for them. Since there is no "public assistance" in Mexico, struggling single mothers end up abandoning their children to an orphanage out of necessity. Although it is terribly sad, it is done as an act of love. Poverty makes me sad. Homelessness makes me sad. Child abandonment makes me even sadder.

Approximately 2 million Mexican children are orphaned or abandoned.

Forty years ago, a young man named Josue Lopez was moved by the plight of the multitudes of homeless children foraging for survival in the streets of his city, Juarez, Mexico. Like the Good Samaritan, Josue could not just look away and go on about his business. He was determined to do something to help these children who had no one to love and care for them. Similar to a project Josue started in Juarez, here in Hermosillo, we connected with a project called "Ciudad de Los Niños" (City of the Children). This project started in 1982 with one small house (casita). Today there are 4 projects in the works and several others on the drawing board. Ciudad de Los Niños is designed as a village for children, whose ages range from 1 to 13 years of age. With a donation of 5 acres of land from the government, and with help from local volunteers and many community organizations, this village for children now has 22 casitas, a library, a medical clinic, a facility for children with special needs, a church and a mini police station!

Ciudad de Los Niños is run almost entirely by volunteers, and is the biggest project of its kind in the state of Sonora. Each casita houses 6 to 8 children and a house mother. Currently, there are a total of 56 children living there. These children come from abused, abandoned or homeless backgrounds. This village setting gives the children a chance to experience more of a normal life than they might have been able to than if they were in a more institutional setting. The children are healing, yet they still need lots of love, affection and of course, attention.

I really wanted to do something for these kids this holiday season, so, I volunteered to be part of a committee to help throw them a Christmas party and collect gifts. Vince was kind enough to make a donation on behalf of his company, and purchase their first ever, very own Christmas tree - with all the trimmings!

Upon our arrival at the orphanage (on Friday December 8^th), the children greeted us with much anticipation and love. They were eager to help decorate the tree and willing to wait patiently for the festivities to begin. There was music, arts & crafts and a trampoline. Seeing the excitement on their faces is a vision that will be embedded in my mind for a lifetime.

I did feel sad. Having my own child (and another one on the way) I can’t ever imagine abandoning or mistreating my babies. As I looked at the children there, I felt the pain they must feel when they wake up each morning, sleeping next to another child who has also been forgotten and left behind.

When the party was over, the coordinator at the orphanage was kind enough to take me inside one of the casitas where the children live. I walked into a quaint little living room with a set of couches, a TV, and adornments on the wall. The further in I went, the more visible it became. It was depressing. Everything was old and extremely worn. The bathroom door had a giant hole I could crawl through, the toilet seat was falling apart and the shower looked like it was outside. What I realized is, what matters most is the children are happy (on the outside anyway) and look like they are well cared for, considering the circumstances. With the conditions they must have lived in before, I am sure this is by far a safer haven than they could have ever imagined.

On my drive home I couldn’t help but think about my experience. I think we all need to take a step back once in a while and really evaluate our lives and value all that we have. And, I don’t just mean the ‘material’ part of it. What I mean is, we must value our families. We must value those around us and appreciate how lucky we are to be loved. Because, even if it’s only one person we can really…I MEAN REALLY…count on…..it’s one more person than these children had before they arrived to the orphanage.

‘Tis the season…..however, in reality, all year must be a time to remember the less fortunate - and help make a difference in their lives. All year must be a time to give thanks for what we have and be grateful for the loved ones around us…

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Perfect. It's Just Perfect. Or Not.

I’m a mom on the verge of a mild mommy breakdown. Ok, fine, 'breakdown' is too harsh a word. I’m a mommy in need of advice.

My baby bear turned one in September and we celebrated this ever so festive occasion by throwing him an authentic Mexican Fiesta outdoors in Toronto (in early October – imagine how ‘tropical’ we felt when a sudden downpour of rain and a cold gust of wind happened to pass by that very afternoon). The party was a success and my little man was totally adorable in his Mexican serape and miniature sombrero. We spent 3 weeks in Toronto, and I couldn’t wait to come back to Hermosillo. Don’t get me wrong, I love being with everyone up north, but I guess having been raising my son away from everyone and doing my ‘own things’ with him has led me to be an independent mom who doesn’t necessarily need much help – nor advice – from others. Nor, do I need constant badgering of who he looks like – or insistence on who he doesn’t look like - all irrelevant and very annoying.

Now that most of my friends are becoming parents, it’s safe to say we are able to share stories and compare anecdotes about this newfound journey called ‘motherhood’. Though we are blessed, it sure comes with certain outside pressures that were never thought of before. The pressure to be a perfect parent, make perfect decisions and always be a perfect role model for our off springs. Well, it ain’t possible to be perfect all the time – especially when there are other elements involved – ie. lack of sleep, cranky baby, dogs bark waking up the entire family, house alarm going off during nap times, the list can go on and on. One thing’s for sure, as far as our little one’s are concerned – MOMMY is always perfect…and MOMMY is always right!

Our new house has been great. The set up is indeed perfect for little C to play and walk around in. So long are the days with me chasing Cristian up and down a thousand marble steps. Again. I can’t say it’s been ‘perfect’……the infestation of termites we had last month definitely plays a role in my opinion. Not a big deal really, I’d much rather have these little critters running around – or, rather ‘eating around’ than the big fat cucarachas that were part of our family in the other house. The fumigation took place a few weeks back and we’re good for another year. Now, the part I need the most advice on. This problem being solved would indeed help make things close to perfect! What do you do, when you have a neighbor living next door with the world’s most annoying dog constantly barking at your son’s window, waking him up from his peaceful sleeps? Well, as a mother, a nice shot of tequila seems to be the only answer (to calm thy nerves), however, given my current physical state of ‘pregnant-ness’ that’s not possible. So we’ve spoken to our wretched neighbors several times – to no avail. I’m on the verge of a breakdown. Every time I hear that dogs loud, squeaky yelp, my blood boils to new levels and I can’t help to feel the urge to a) go outside and pepper spray the shit out of the small French poodle b) run him over with my car (ouch – yes – cruel), or c) throw over some tacos à-la-laxative (to teach him a really shitty lesson). Whatever the solution may be, we need to think of it sooner rather than later. With baby #2 on the way, I can’t imagine waking up to a symphony every morning…. “(Dog) Wooff Woof, (baby) waaa waaa, (Cristian) mama mama… dog) Wooff Woof, (baby) waaa waaa, (Cristian) mama mama…” SUICIDE!

Aside from that, things have been great. I’ve been attending yoga classes four times a week, and am officially in charge of publishing a monthly newsletter for the ESIA Committee (group of foreign ladies mostly from the American embassy with monthly events and a variety of organized activities.) I am also part of a committee organizing a Christmas party for the local orphanage called Casa De Los Niños. The party will be held December 8th. I am really excited to be able to share the Christmas cheer with children who are without ‘family’ – at a time when family matters most – living in constant wonder of what will become of their fate. It will definitely be an emotionally rewarding experience.

Cristian’s been getting bigger and bigger by the day. He started walking earlier this month and his vocabulary is broadening by the minute. Some of his words include: agua, tamales, adios…oh, and his favourite word – assho! Don’t ask. Just picture us walking down the aisles at the grocery store, as Cristian blurts out “Assho” to every Juan, Jose and Fernanda that walks by. Thank goodness not everyone speaks or understands English here. Funny? SO NOT funny! But cute? I'll give it that.

As for me. I am feeling great and am currently in my 21st week of pregnancy. Aside from the nasty blue veins popping out of my right leg, all’s been well. (Yes ladies, I recently developed a nasty case of varicose veins – thanks to baby #2) Sucks. Oh well, what can I do – but raise my legs on a pillow and wear granny thigh-high stockings. Gosh, how unattractive – I wish they would at least make those things in a nice shade of midnight balck – or ‘fish net’ would be an even better option. Talk about ruining an ‘already getting fat & feeling unsexy’ pregnant woman’s ego. Ladies, any advice on this matter would be much appreciated also.

And that’s my story. It’s been a while, I know, I suck. I’m only a perfect mom (wink wink)….I can’t be perfect at everything…..

And Baby Makes...

Four!

We had no satellite for a month – which means no TV, nothing to do but ‘snuggle’ *wink* *wink* (no wonder why in the old ages, sans electricity, families had more children than they could keep track of). We traveled to several fun spots on our road trip, and had an amazing vacation for two additional weeks by the ocean. Upon our return to Hermosillo is when I learned….we’re having another baby! Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico! I guess it’s something in the water? The quesadillas? The coyotas? Whatever it is, we are totally thrilled. And so the fun begins, yet again. Now that Cristian is crawling, climbing and communicating in such a way that constantly makes me want to take a bite out of his cheeks – I am confident that baby #2 will also be a blast. Cristian will be a big brother and I will be a mother of two.
WHAT THE F!#%?

So, with this comes a whole new chapter of ‘change’. We’re moving again. No, not back to Toronto (thank God for that, not sure if I’m ready to come back just yet – that’s a whole other entry I will write about soon.) Rather, we are moving to another house 15 minutes away from where we currently are. It’s a beautiful area surrounded by mountains. The new house is all on one floor – which means chasing Cristian up and down marble steps will be a thing of the past - has a gorgeous pool, a Jacuzzi, a workout room and a billiard room with a big screen TV.
And so the packing has begun! I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of unnecessary junk that has compiled in our house in just over two years.

I’m excited. Although nervous about the change, I know it will be nice.

I feel like I’m a pro by now. I’ve mastered the art of:

- Moving away from home
- Making a whole new group of friends from around the world
- Learning an entire new language
- Raising my first child away from what used to be familiar

….and now, I will be changing homes and carrying my SECOND child – but this time it's all in MY 'familiar' surroundings!

*******
It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, and embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.

In A Nutshell....

Here’s what we’ve been up to….

Houston – We Have a Tooth!
I’ve been procrastinating. I know. It’s been a while since I last wrote – too much going on. Since our return to Mexico from my sister’s wedding back in April, Cristian finally got some pearly whites. And I don’t just mean one. We’re talking 4 came out in one shot, my little trooper. He’s oh so proud of his new chompers, and to show us just how much, he makes sure to bite us daily leaving teeny marks on my cheeks, chin and arms!

Click This
Um. Can I please rewind. I was the anxious mom, pushing my baby to learn to crawl. Forcing his little arms to hold his weight as he pushes forward with his legs. Encouraging him to finally make his way across the room and develop a sense of independence. Freedom? YA. OK. REWIND. Wish the movie Click was in fact a reality. The kid is a torpedo. His name ought to be Speedy Gonzalez. He zooms past us. Up the stairs! Down the stairs! Chasing the dogs! I can’t even lie down for a second now to watch an old episode of Ally McBeal (our satellite went down, we’re stuck with Sky TV – Mexican satellite…anyone seen an old episode of Miami Vice lately?)

English Speakers In Action?
Thanks to my ‘American Friends’ with babies, my time has been going by pretty quickly. Between attending weekly Gymboree classes together, to Friday morning play groups, C’s social schedule is quite full.

Hot Stuff
The weather’s been stifling. I feel like my insides are being stir fried every time I step foot outside. But, then again, Torontonians are apparently feeling it too these past few weeks. Good luck – I’m sure the humidity is doing wonders for your skin, hair and makeup (ladies). At least it’s dry heat down here.

Perri Family Vacation
We did our first ‘Family Road Trip’ last month. We drove to San Diego, Santa Monica, LA, Vegas and Phoenix. Then we flew to Acapulco for 2 weeks for a little relaxing fun in the sun. (See pics below)

San Diego Zoo & Santa Monica Beach Below

Universal Studios Shrek Ride & Las Vegas

Cristian's New Adventures!

He’s made a new friend named Tutu and flirts with her all the time. He pretends he's a mobster taken off the set of the Soprano's! "Eh oh...oh eh!"
He celebrated his first Dia Del Nino (Children's Day) at the school festival on Friday April 28.










He started Gymboree, graduated level 1 and is now hanging around the 'older' kids in level 2. He's trying to learn how to crawl to 'fit in' with the ‘older’ crowd.





He went swimming for the first time last week.



...and that’s what my little man's been up to these days!

Ode To the Newlyweds!

"And now, we would like to invite Maryann Perri, the bride's sister and matron of honour to say a few words."

(After I said a few nice things about the newlyweds as a couple, I proceeded to address them individually...)

"...Kris, you are truly an incredible addition to our family and on behalf of my parents, Vince and I, I would like you to know we are overjoyed that my sister has found someone as kind and caring and funny as yourself. Cristian is also very fortunate to have you as his Godfather, I’m sure you have lots to teach him! We welcome you with open arms and love you tons!

Now to my sister. (sniff sniff..tears began at this point) It’s amazing how it all works. We were born into one family. We grew up together and shared all our thoughts and dreams. We cried, we laughed, we faught and we loved. And then, it comes a time, such as this, when we have to part ways and build our very own familes. And so the cycle continues…

Anita. (My nose started to run..damn!) I still remember holding your hand, the first day of school helping you up the school bus steps. It’s a moment in time that will never leave my mind. You were so little and scared, and I made sure to stand by your side and be your support. From that day forward, I took pride in being your big sister and made sure you were always safe. As the years went on, you also became my best friend, my confident and the only person who understands our bizzare sence of humour. As I stand by your side again today, I know no matter where we are in life, or how far we live from one another, nothing will ever change between us. You are part of my being, you will always have an eternal presence in my heart and in my soul. You will always be my best friend. And for that, I love you eternally.

As of today, (April 22, 2006) you and Kris are bound together through good times and bad. When times are tough, you can now count on him, your husband, to hold your hand, just like I did many years ago on that first day of school. I am SO happy for you guys, and I can’t wait to share the rest of our lives together…I wish you all the love, happiness and health in the world!!!! To Anita and Kris…and a wonderful new beginning…Congratulations!"

(Wheew, I made it...oh the emotions!)

Not for All ManKind

Seven Shmeven!
Whoever said Seven jeans are the best ever are totally wrong. Sorry ladies - overrated and overpriced, I am horrified with my Seven experience. I had my baby 6 months ago, and my goal (as with any woman quickly after giving birth) was to lose all my baby weight and feel good again. As a reward, I promised to buy myself a nice pair of jeans to show off my new found figure. Well. It’s that time. I have accomplished my goal and feel back to normal. So, off I went to Yorkdale Mall and made my way to Holt Renfrew for the big purchase. This purchase signified something way more for me. It represented the accomplishment of something all women struggle with…. I have beaten the odds and have not become a statistic! I refuse to be a 30 year old mom who has let herself go!

The shopping began. I tried on numerous pairs. Although I felt way more comfortable in the larger size, the sales lady was determined to make me buy the smaller of the two. And so I did. After having paid $220, I went home as proud as can be. Not because I bought the damn jeans, but because it signified something more to me. The following week, I was sure to wear my new purchase almost on a daily basis, although the waist was a bit snug, the lady promised they would stretch out. Well. ‘stretch out’ is in UNDERSTATEMENT when it comes to these babies. By the end of the week, they were sagging at my butt, loose around the legs, and hanging low at my crotch. Who would have thought a pair of $220 jeans would look so brutal? I felt like I was back in grade school – remember those days?

And so my struggle began. After several sleepless nights, I finally earned the courage to drive back to the mall and present my case. I marched into Holt Refrew and threw the jeans on the counter (almost like how I’d rehearsed it in my head). I was ready. Ready to take on the sales clerk standing behind the counter. Well, I didn’t get too far in my quest for the battle of the jeans. It was simpler than I’d thought. The gentlemen took the jeans, examined them briefly and put them back down on the counter. I was nervous; I thought for sure he was going to ask me why the knees were protruding so much. But, he didn’t. Instead, he began the transaction and off I went with my dinero. My next stop was another store that carries these jeans. I thought I would check out their selection of Sevens and see if there was a difference?! Well, after several tries, I bought a pair…that fit me perfectly! Secret was…I had to go down yet another size. As snug as they felt at the time, they fit me perfectly now. Moral of my Seven story? When in doubt, make sure the pair you buy are tight enough to cut-off your circulation – cause if not, you’re stuck with a saggy pair of low crotched, knees sticking out, bulky legged jeans!

*NEWS FLASH*NEWS FLASH*

Sleep Deprivation May Have Ceased

Walking Zombie No Longer!

March 29, 2006 - Ladies and Gentlemen…Children of the world, a special announcement must be made. Today marks the beginning of something new. It is a day when the birds are chirping, the sun is shining and the world seems to be smiling at me. I, Maryann Perri, am proud to announce, that, for the first time in 6 months, after becoming a new mommy, with exhausting mornings, long sleepless nights…..slept for a full consecutive, uninterrupted - 7HOURS LAST NIGHT! (Baby slept for 8 hours….and is STILL lounging in bed!)

(Background music please) "Haaaalleluiah, Haaaaalleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah....."

Let’s rejoice...I Know We Are!

Visiting The Zoo!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

The Firsts....

Here are a few pictures of Cristian...some recent 'firsts'...

First time in his walker...

First time at a baseball game...

First time holding his bottle on his own...

First time in his Baptism outfit...

First time posing as a hip hop dancer for one of Snoop's videos...

First time eating solids (pear)!

Chapter 2006

So much has already happened this year;
it’s hard to remember it all.
My baby celebrated his first New Year’s party.
My baby was baptized.
A new beginning will bring new offsprings.
Friendships continue to grow.
Travel continues to be harder.
Saying good-bye gets sadder.
Weddings are eagerly being planned.
And so on…

Oh…..and I turned 30 last month.

I guess that’s the part I forgot.
Or maybe, my subconscious mind has found a convenient way to block that part of my life. Turning 30 – before it actually happened – meant just another year. I wasn’t the least bit concerned about my reaction to this dreaded milestone. So then why the morning of my birthday did I wake up crying? Hmmm…not sure I can explain it. I wiped my tears and made my way to the kitchen where my over joyous parents were eagerly waiting to give me a ‘Happy 30th Birthday' kiss. That moment quickly went downhill when my dad so proudly hugged me and said “Happy Birthday. You are now 1/3 into your life!” I looked at him with dismay, couldn’t believe what he was saying. To which he responded… “What, be happy, most people would say your life is halfway over!” WHAT??? What is this man saying??? Does he want me to hang myself???

My day continued on the same course of despair. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for myself. I felt old and getting older by the second. All I kept thinking was being thirty only means life has no more room for errors. At least in my twenties, mistakes were accepted as part of a learning process. Now, all my decisions have to be made wisely– as an adult, in her 30’s.

So, as I drove around Scarborough in my dad’s van, listening to 103.5, I couldn’t help but feel the need to change the radio station. Maybe 30 means no longer listening to mainstream pop music, maybe I now have to succumb to a slower paced ‘older person’ radio station? Is there such a thing? Maybe it’s time to cut my hair short?

“SNAP OUT OF IT MARYANN..IT’S NOT THAT BAD!”
Here are a few positive things to think about:
1. People tend to achieve the most in their thirties - think about Henry Ford. His best stuff was done in his thirties. (I can't think of anyone else, but I'm sure there is - there has to be!)
2. If you don’t have children, you aren’t considered a ‘grown up’ until you are thirty six. That’s six more years of mayhem!
3. Women are in their physical prime in their early thirties – in spite of what you might be told. This is that oh-so magical combination of strength, endurance, and courage.

I know who I want to be with for the rest of my life. I know who I am. I know how to get there! I know how to care for another being. I know how to live on my own. I know how to deal with pain. I know how to deal with joy. I have a better idea of who I am than I did in my twenties. I'm not so hung up on trying to get everyone to like me and I no longer believe I have to be the thinnest (just had a baby), most popular (don’t know too many people in this city), smartest person in the world in order to be happy. I have learned to appreciate the small things in life and not get so upset about the big things. I've loved and lost and therefore I appreciate love even more now. I've made new friends and said good-bye to old ones and appreciate them both. I'm smarter than ten years ago, in some ways, but I know knowledge is not always a forward progression – I learned a lot in Kindergarten.

So my day continued to improve. As I drove around in my dad’s van, listening to Madonna’s latest tunes, I began to realize I wouldn’t change or exchange anything in my life. I was happy…overjoyed at my new found appreciation for turning 30.

I AM HAPPY TO BE AGING!

If this keeps up, forty will be even more awesome. And if anyone dares to call me ‘old’ again, I’ll show them...better yet, I’ll run over them with my dad’s van…after all, I have better insurance now!

Who's Forgetful?

Last night was chaos.

Packing all the babies belongings for his weekend stay at uncie Kris's condo with his auntie Anita and his forgetful mom was very tricky. I never realized there was so much involved in taking a baby for a three night sleep over somewhere. Diapers...bottles....formula....toys...bathtub...etc.... I was going nuts packing for the little guy.

We went to church first for an evening mass where Cristian behaved so well I was absolutely impressed. He was mesmerized by the singing and the tons of people that filled the pews made it all the more interesting. As the incense made my little guy cough, I couldn’t help but smell the fishy odor that was so strongly oozing from his Gap shirt and Gymboree pants from the Xmas dinner my mom cooked up. After we left church, we made our way to Etobicoke. Once we got to the condo, I rushed in with great relief to change his clothes and get him into something downy fresh. That's when I noticed his bag full of pj’s and outfits was missing. Where could it be? It was left behind at my parent’s house. WHAT KIND OF MOTHER AM I?? So....I panicked...as baby cried. Not sure it they were tears of hunger, exhaustion or simply cause he knew he was stuck in his foul smelling fashionable outfit for longer than we thought.

My sister quickly left in hopes of finding some pajamas at Dominion or Shopper’s Drug mart since everything by that time had closed. After numerous attempts, she was lucky enough to find some stuff at a local Hasty Market. The Indian man who owned the store even gave her a good deal. I guess baby pajamas aren’t a best seller at his convenient store - who knows how long they’d been sitting there for. While I fed my smelly man, we washed the pj’s and dried them quickly. Shortly after, he was nice and snuggly in his Hasty brand PINK pajamas tucked warmly into his bed. Oh what a night. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it today!